The Geisha is a traditional female entertainer trained in the Japanese arts.
She exhibits these talents at social occasions such as banquets.
Before becoming a Geisha one must first be an apprentice Maiko.
In order to become a fully realized Geisha she must then go through rigourous training at the end of which she must pass the final examination.

While not nearly as common as they used to be, Geishas can
still be seen walking along the traditional streets of
Kyoto along with their Maiko apprentices.

Interest in Geisha
has resurfaced due to the hugely successful book-turned-film
Memoirs of a Geisha.
Strangly, however, most of
the actors in the film are Chinese.